Measuring occupational balance: A theoretical exploration of two approaches

Background. Occupational balance is a fundamental yet complex concept in occupational therapy requiring empirical study. Purpose. To advance the theoretical discussion of occupational balance, its measurement and relationship to wellbeing. Methods. In part one of this 2-phase study, 122 adults completed a bipolar measure of occupational balance, the Cross Impact Matrix (OM) of the Personal Project Analysis and two well-being measures: the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) and Positive and Negative Affect Scales (PANAS). In part two, 24 adults completed the Inter-goal Relations Questionnaire (IRQ), a unipolar measure of occupational balance (harmony) and imbalance (conflict), plus the SWLS and PANAS. Findings. Neither the OM scores nor IRQ occupational balance/harmony were associated with well-being whereas the IRQ occupational imbalance/conflict was significantly associated with SWLS. Implications. Dimensions of occupational balance (conflict and harmony) may be best measured separately. To promote well-being attention can be given to reducing conflict across occupations.